THE GHAN &THE GHAN EXPEDITION

One train. Two very different travel experiences.

THE GHAN

The legendary journey for a classic travel experience

3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS

The classic Ghan experience journeying from Adelaide to Darwin (year-round) and Darwin to Adelaide (November-February) with time spent relaxing onboard as well as included Off Train Excursions in Katherine and Alice Springs.

THE GHAN EXPEDITION

Our flagship offering for an immersive travel experience

4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS

Our flagship rail journey is the ultimate way to do the Australian outback aboard The Ghan. Journeying from Darwin to Adelaide (March-October), The Ghan Expedition takes in immersive Off Train Excursions in Katherine, extended time in Alice Springs inclusive of an authentic Red Centre dinner under the stars and a full day in Coober Pedy. The Ghan Expedition itinerary also offers the upgraded option to tour Uluru.

90TH ANNIVERSARY

2019 marks 90 legendary years of The Ghan, a journey renowned for its rich place in Australian history and for its connection to the awe-inspiring Outback.

This incredible rail adventure through the heart of the nation traces the footsteps of explorers, pioneers, jackaroos and royalty, all of whom have travelled aboard over the last nine decades.

SPECIAL OFFERS - NOW ON SALE

Enjoy Gold Service with our all inclusive rail journeys or venture further with tailored Holiday Packages. Save up to $1100 per couple for bookings made before 31 March 2019.

Holiday Packages available on selected travel dates from 01 April 2019 to 31 March 2020.

Regarded as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, The Ghan delivers so much more than an extended train ride. It promises access to parts of Australia no other holiday can come close to – the perfect balance of comfort and adventure culminating in an experience that will move you in every sense of the word.

Prepare for a holiday of unimaginable proportions as the legendary Ghan takes you deep into the heart of Australia. Enjoy the comfort and solitude of your private cabin, lose yourself in conversation with newfound travelling companions, or simply gaze out of the window taking inspiration from the ever changing landscape.

And when the train stops along the way, the adventures begin. Take your time tapping into the rich creative soul of Adelaide. Experience the dramatic scenery of central Australia on the back of a camel and explore the ancient, awe-inspiring wonders of the Northern Territory.

Darwin to Adelaide

The Ghan Expedition

Three nights and Four days via Katherine and Alice Springs, one way, 2,979km.
Coast to coast, through the fiery red centre, experience Australia at its dramatic best. Operates 3 May to 25 October 2017, April to October 2018 and March 2019.

Originally dubbed the Afghan Express, The Ghan train was named for the pioneering cameleers who blazed a permanent trail into the Red Centre of Australia more than 150 years ago. Many cameleers were migrants from an area now known as Pakistan. However, according to outback lore in the 1800s, these men were believed to come from the mysterious outpost of Afghanistan and were considered Afghans - 'Ghans'.

The original Ghan line followed the route of explorer John MacDouall Stuart. On Sunday 4 August, 1929, an excited crowd gathered at the Adelaide Railway Station to farewell the first Ghan train. This train carried supplies and over 100 passengers bound for the remote town of Stuart, later to be called Alice Springs. The train’s whistle pierced the silence of the MacDonnell Ranges surrounding Alice Springs two days later, on 6 August.

The train was steam hauled, and the service had to contend with extreme conditions including flash flooding and intense heat. As such, it was often an irregular service. The old Ghan ran on a light, narrow-gauge track well to the east of the track it travels today.

As well as termite damage, the track was often savaged by fire and flood. Flash flooding, when the normally parched river beds spilled out onto the low lying desert plains, frequently washed away the track completely. Legend has it The Old Ghan was once stranded for two weeks in one spot and the engine driver shot wild goats to feed his passengers.

In 1980, the old Ghan rail track was abandoned in favour of a new standard-gauge rail line built with termite-proof concrete sleepers. The track was laid further to the west to mitigate the flooding problems encountered along the old route.

It was always intended for The Ghan to one day travel from Adelaide through to the Northern Territory capital city of Darwin. With the completion of the Alice Springs to Darwin rail link, this dream became a reality. The Ghan embarked on its inaugural transcontinental journey on 1 February, 2004.

Today, the north-south cross-country journey covers 2979 kilometres and encounters spectacular and diverse landscapes from the pastoral hues of the South Australian plains, the rusty reds of the MacDonnell Ranges and the tropical greens of Katherine and Darwin.

All Inclusive Journeys

Our holiday packages have been specially selected to offer a range of unique and varied experiences. By combining accommodation, sightseeing, transfers and of course your train travel, we can offer the perfect Australian ‘all-in-one’ holiday option.

Onboard Experience

From magnificent gourmet meals prepared by our professional chefs to that cheeky nightcap waiting on your bedside table at the end of the day, the experience onboard the Ghan will take your breath away.

The Ghan Expedition

Off Train Excursions

This distinctly Australian holiday includes a series of immersive off train excursions. Camel rides, river cruises and optional helicopter flights add another exciting dimension to your journey, giving you a chance to breathe in the beauty you’ve been watching pass by.